An Oyo-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, youth mobilizer, chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), and member of South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23), Chief Salako Amekunlooye, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for bestowing prestigious national honours and generous monetary gifts on members of the Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted by Morocco.
It is recalled that the Nigeria’s female football icons stunned the continent by coming from two goals down to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 in the final held in Rabat on Saturday, clinching their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
In recognition of this remarkable achievement, President Tinubu accordingly announced a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for each member of the technical and backroom staff, a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate, Abuja, and the conferment of national honours – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all players and the coaching/technical crew.
Amekunlooye used the occasion to profoundly praise the President for his unwavering support and visionary leadership. He also eulogized Mr. President for rewarding hardwork and for threatening his renewed hope agenda in sports and other endeavors that can aid youth empowerment.
“I feel highly elated and fulfilled to see President Tinubu doing what successive governments have failed to do in terms of reward for hardwork and success. I am also happy to see that Mr. president is putting the right infrastructure in place to nurture talents and build capacity for sports development. Impressively, we now have a President who not only understands elite competition, but deeply values grassroots sports with clarity of thought.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader who nurtures and rewards excellence. With his consistent support, Nigeria’s sports ecosystem now has a clear direction, and a purpose-driven paradigm shift.
“This is a new chapter, a new dawn which is clearly reassuring for Nigerias that our nation is set for greater glory under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. I also extend my gratitude to all the members of the technical and coaching crew of the Super Falcons for a job well done. Similarly my appreciation goes to every Nigerian who stands with our superlative athletes.”
Amekunlooye further stated that Nigeria is being led by a President who undoubtedly loves sports.
“President Tinubu in his magnanimity cleared the backlog owed to the Super Eagles during last year’s AFCON, and he has also approved the outstanding allowances for the Super Falcons.”
As the nation continues to bask in the glow of sporting excellence, the APC chieftain also reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s commitment in grassroots sports development which spreads across the nooks and crannies of the country.
